Parade of Homes featuring the best of new homes in Manitoba, Canada
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/788322
>> Winnipeg's first model home was a true showpiece. Tickets were sold to the viewing public, who flocked to see the ultra-modern marvel at 804 Ashburn St. in the fall of 1937. Built by Henry Borger & Son, the two-storey house has a unique circular exterior feature with a sundeck on top, and its notable comforts included a built-in ironing board and a broom closet. The City of Winnipeg Housing Company mount- ed the project to demonstrate that a house could be built for under $3,200. The city donated the land, Eaton's furnished the home and City Hydro provided all the electric appliances — a McClary stove and a General Electric refrigerator. Ladco Company Ltd. vice-president of develop- ment David Borger was surprised to learn the company founded by his great-grandfather and grandfather built the house. Turns out they also built a few houses for family members, but they were in the home construction business for only a short time. It was time enough to make an impression. "It was really well constructed — I always kind of figured someone with some money had built it," current owner Susan McAllister says. A realtor, McAllister popped in to have a look when the house was listed about nine years ago. She bought it on a whim the same day. "I hadn't really even thought it through very well. But I'm glad I did; it's been a good house." A Winnipeg Tribune story described features such as hard- wood floors, corner windows to let in lots of light, and a roomy basement suitable for a children's playroom. While she has replaced the corner windows, McAllister says they do allow for plenty of natural light. She figures the basement ceiling is a good nine feet in height, and the hardwood floors and cabinet for the ironing board are still there. The price tag has changed significantly, though. She esti- mates it would sell for upwards of $220,000 today. 128 Parade of Homes Spring 2017 V i n TA G e m o D e L H o m e the house oF the Future By Pat St. Germain 'It was really well constructed — I always kind of figured seone with se money had built it '